This year is a very difficult Christmas as my lovely Dad died at the beginning of October. I have been trying really hard to get into the Christmas spirit but it's just not happening.
I thought that when I was busy wrapping presents over the last few nights that it would help but it just made me feel sad that my Dad won't see the excitement.
So lovely followers I'm hoping you can help. Where in Pembrokeshire can I take the children that will give me a good dose of Christmas spirit? Nowhere too expensive as there is 5 of us ( 2 adults, 3 children) but somewhere fun where we might even see Santa!
I look forward to hearing your suggestions x
Hi,
ReplyDeleteAw, I'm really feeling for you. As it was also October when my Dad died, I can remember that first Christmas was so hard. I think we had a very quiet, simple Christmas, we just couldn't celebrate.
We only really got the "Christmas feeling" back once the kids were born and Christmas was for them.
However, eleven years later, we still include my Dad at Christmas time, our new tradition (since he died)is we go to the cemetery together on Christmas morning, we lay a wreath or Christmas tree or new ornament. We think about him while we sit around the table and say our "Cheers!" like we used to do while he was alive.
I find New Years Eve is still the hardest, "Auld Lang's Syne" makes me cry. :-(
However, as you already have your kids I know you have to act "merry" for them. I know we really enjoyed the Grotto at Folly Farm this year and it was more affordable than Bluestone (although that looks amazing!).
You may find the feeling just comes to you suddenly, at one of the concerts or maybe Christmas Eve at the crib service, or it may lay dormant this year as you need time to get over something this traumatic. :-(
The kids will be fine and have a lovely Christmas, enjoying the time with their loving family.
Try to be easy and gentle on yourself.
Lots of love
Claire
xxx
I love your felt gingerbread house!
Thanks Claire, thanks for sharing your experience with me too. What's the crib service?? Is that midnight mass? We have never been to folly farm at Christmas time so perhaps we can do that. Bluestone looks good however I have heard mixed reviews and its £25 a head for a 2 hr session!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like the gingerbread house, it's my favourite thing I have made! I have got some Christmas puddings somewhere, can't remember where I put them!!!!!x
Hi,
ReplyDeleteThe Crib Service we go to is in the Memorial Gardens on Christmas Eve. So it's for the kids and adults. The kids bring all the Nativity Characters into the "stable" as the vicar tells the stories and we all sing carols. We've been every year apart from last year as I was still recovering from my c-section! Haha!
Folly farm was really nice.
xxx